Thanks for taking the time and effort to show and compare the LCI and Pre LCI. At first, I thought I preferred the LCI tail lights over the current model and did not like any of the other changes. After seeing them side by side, I've changed my opinion. Pre-LCI all the way!

I'm a BMW fan and have owned 3 (E36 M3, e46 328, E90 335) but I'm continually surprised about how much $ BMW spends on mid-cycle changes that most consumers will never even notice.

This is another example. Most people won't even notice. And for the record, I think I like the pre-LCI a little better.

True, but what I think is important to also take into consideration is that apart from BMW, Mercedes, Audi, and a few others, most other companies have 4 to max 5 year life cycles (Japanese, American - typical cars with biggest market).

Because of their high R&D costs, and because they are general ahead on design, performance, and technology, the higher-end companies keep their designs for a longer period, and I think they need a mid-cycle refresh to keep the line going.